Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 (Power Uprates) - Nuclear

Sargent Lundy; Cary (NC); Hybrid; USD 118,023 - 180,313; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare plans

401(k)

Flexible Work Arrangements

Paid Vacation

Job summary

Sargent Lundy in Cary, North Carolina is seeking an experienced engineer to support nuclear power uprates and consulting projects. The role involves technical review, client interaction, and mentorship of junior staff.

Ideal candidates have a BSME, over 10 years in the nuclear industry, and skills in technical report writing. Hybrid work is offered, with a focus on teamwork and innovation.

Qualifications

• This position requires a BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program.
• 10 or more years of experience in the nuclear power industry.
• Experience with nuclear power uprates and/or turbine retrofit projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform consulting level work for power uprates in the nuclear industry.
• Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions.
• Manage resources/resource loading and develop estimates for task completion.

Skills

Nuclear power industry experience

Thermodynamics knowledge

Technical report writing skills

Practical knowledge in engineering applications

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

BSME from an ABET accredited program

Tools

MS Office Applications

Job description

Description

Our electric power generation clients are seeking to increase the power output of their existing power plants to meet the electric demands. This is expanding work in the nuclear industry. You will work on major systems, equipment and plant process in the following areas:

• Perform consulting level work for power uprates in the nuclear industry.
• Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status.
• Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates.
• Manage resources/resource loading and develop estimates for task completion and budget development.
• Review calculations related to heat balances, power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink, and plant hazards to support client recommendations and reviews.
• Review task reports and equipment evaluations that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements.
• Review equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs to support the proposed power uprate.
• Evaluate vendor bids from a technical perspective.
• Interface with vendors to perform document reviews, ensure equipment compliance with specifications and needs of the plant.
• Lead and mentor junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks.
• Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation.
• Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction.

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

• This position requires a BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
• 10 or more years of experience in the nuclear power industry.
• Experience with nuclear power uprates and/or turbine retrofit projects.
• Experience and practical knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
• Power Uprates (EPU/SPU/MUR)
• Power Uprate pinch point assessments and/or task reports
• Turbine / Generator / AVR / Exciter Refurbishments
• Heat Exchanger Replacement (FWH/MSR/TFP)
• Isophase Bus Duct
• Transformer/Switchyard
• NSSS Systems
• Licensing Application
• All assignments require the preparation of calculations and/or reports, and excellent technical report writing skills are essential.
• Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design.
• Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving.
• Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• MSME from an ABET accredited program with a strong academic background
• PE License

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

• You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost‑effective designs.
• Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process‑improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
• Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
• We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI‑enabled engineering workflows.

Award‑Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well‑being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work‑life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award‑winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & Wellness

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life & Accident Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Back‑Up Daycare
• FSA & HSA

Financial Benefits

• 401(k)
• Pre‑Tax Commuter Account
• Merit Scholarship Program
• Employee Discount Program
• Corporate Charitable Giving Program
• Tuition Assistance
• First Professional Licensure Bonus
• Employee Referral Bonus

Work‑Life Balance

• Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range

$118,023 - $180,313

Transparency Statement

Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well‑being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

About This Business Unit

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon‑free energy. Since 1954, we’ve been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first‑of‑a‑kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal‑to‑nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new‑build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting‑edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.